PIA Press ReleaseFriday, January 06, 2012

CFO launches 2012 Presidential Awards

MANILA, Jan. 6 -- The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) recently announced the call for nominations for the Presidential Awards, also known as the Gawad ng Pangulo Awards.

For almost twenty years, the Gawad ng Pangulo awards has been recognizing Filipino individuals and organizations overseas, who by their exceptional achievements or humanitarian efforts, have given form and substance to Filipino excellence and the time-honored Filipino values of 'pakikipagkapwa' (camaraderie), 'pagtutulungan' (cooperation) and 'pagkakaisa' (unity).

The Presidential Awards was institutionalized under Executive Order 498, issued by former President Corazon C. Aquino to honor and recognize outstanding overseas Filipinos. Since its inception in 1991, the awards have been given to 338 Filipino individuals and organizations from 44 countries.

The awardees include exemplars of Filipino excellence, individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of the Filipino people, stewards of community initiatives that promote cooperation for the common good, and advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of others. Civil society organizations based overseas, whose programs for intervention have helped improve the lives of others, particularly the marginalized, will also be honored in observance of the timeless tradition of pakikipagkapwa-tao and bayanihan.

This year, the awards shall be divided into four categories. First is the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino or the Linkapil Award, which is an award for overseas Filipino associations or individuals with exceptional or significant contributions to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development.

The Banaag Award is for overseas Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions in advancing the cause of and/or has significantly benefited overseas Filipino communities or sectors.

Next is the Kaanib Award, which recognizes foreign individuals or organizations that also have exceptional or significant contributions to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, and have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Finally, the Presidential Awards have the Pamanang Pilipino Award, which is an award for overseas Filipinos who have demonstrated the talent and industry of the Filipino and brought honor and recognition to the country through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Deadline of applications is on June 15, 2012. Interested parties may contact telephone numbers (632) 561-8291 or (632) 552-4700 local 761-767, and email addresses at info@cfo.gov.ph, jramos@cfo.gov.ph and npangilinan@cfo.gov.ph.

The Awards Ceremonies will be held in December 2012 at the Malacañan Palace, Manila.(CS/PND)